"We hope that the people will return the BN in Kuala Terengganu as there are still a lot of things in store for the people.

"BN, under the future leadership of Datuk Seri Najib (Tun Razak), has taken into consideration the welfare of people from all races, youth development as well as other major issues which need to be tackled.

"We hope that the people will give us the opportunity to serve and see how the country's future leaders can improve on whatever it is that needs improvement," he told reporters after chairing the Terengganu BN meeting at the state Umno office here.

The by-election on Jan 17 is held following the death of Deputy Education Minister Datuk Razali Ismail on Nov 28.

Muhyiddin, who is International Trade and Industry Minister, said he believed that if given the opportunity, BN would be able to rectify weaknesses and fulfil the people's aspirations.

"The Kuala Terengganu people can be the catalyst in restoring confidence towards the BN... this by-election is the time for them to do so," he said.

Muhyiddin said that the BN had done its best in the past 50 years or so in administering the country.

"When Datuk Seri Najib takes over in March, we look forward to achieving greater heights for the country," he said, adding that the BN would deploy better strategy to defend Kuala Terengganu.

He said the by-election would be different from that of the Permatang Pauh in August because unlike Permatang Pauh, which was won by the opposition in the March general election, Kuala Terengganu was won by the BN. -- BERNAMA